In the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, rising talent and fresh faces are crucial in the production of new films. However, standing out from the boundless sea of aspiring actors is no easy feat- it requires extensive amounts of time, effort, skill, and a sprinkle of good luck. If you’re searching for some new actors to watch, we’ve got you covered! From breakthrough roles to upcoming projects, this article will discuss five talented rising stars under the age of 25 who are making waves in the global film and TV industry.
Mckenna Grace
Born in Texas, Grace is an American actress and singer. At the age of 5, she made the bold decision to relocate to the buzzing city of Los Angeles, in hopes to pursue her acting career. She performed in several independent films before her breakthrough in the movie ‘Gifted’, where she portrayed Mary, a child prodigy living in Florida. This performance allowed her to receive a nomination for the Critics Choice Awards Best Young Actress, which propelled her into the spotlight. Some other notable films she’s been a part of include ‘Young Sheldon’, ‘Captain Marvel’ (as young Carol Danvers), as well as ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and its 2024 sequel 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire'. With her natural talent and easy-going personality, there is no doubt she is destined for success!
Cailee Spaeny
Born and bred into the world of acting, Spaeny spent integral parts of her childhood in the Springfield Little Theatre group in Missouri. While she made her initial foray into the competitive domain of film in 2016, it was her breakout role in ‘Pacific Rim’ (2018) that truly put her on the map. Her presence was further solidified in the 2023 biographical drama, ‘Priscilla’, where she starred as Priscilla Presley. Having secured the Volpi Cup Best Actress Award at the renowned Venice Film Festival and receiving a Golden Globe nomination, Spaeny’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Her upcoming projects include 'Annihilation' director Alex Garland's dystopian action thriller 'Civil War', and the latest chapter into the Alien saga, 'Alien: Romulus'.
Beyond her successes in the film and television, she is known as a kind hearted, friendly, approachable person, which are qualities that make her a delight to work with and an inspiration to her supporters.
Mason Thames
Did you hear about the comedian dragon? He breathed fire into every punchline! Speaking of comedians and dragons, it is undoubtedly that you have seen ‘How to Train your Dragon’- a childhood modern classic that we all know and love. Our next rising star, Mason Thames, is set to portray Hiccup, Toothless the Dragon’s owner and best friend, in the live-action version of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, set to release in 2025. Thames is bound to implement his charm and humor to create the witty, sarcastic ‘Hiccup’. In addition, Thames has shared the stage with Ethan Hawke in ‘The Black Phone’ as Finney Blake, a boy who is being held hostage by Hawke, an evil masked killer. It is remarkable to think that at just 16 years old, Thames has already showcased such exceptional talent in acting- keep an eye out for him as he continues to grace future films.
Jenna Ortega
When the TV series ‘Wednesday’ blew up, Ortega received mass amounts of recognition and praise worldwide. In the show, Ortega portrays Wednesday Addams- a cold, emotionless girl who is depicted as sarcastic, stoic and sadistic. With psychic abilities and a curious nature, she fearlessly confronts the hidden evils that lurk in every corner. Before participating in 'Wednesday', Ortega has represented Young Jane in ‘Jane the Virgin’, Harley Diaz in ‘Stuck in the Middle’, amongst other roles. Whether she’s playing the caring, smart Harley in ‘Stuck in the Middle’ or embodying the enigmatic Wednesday Addams, Ortega's versatility is exemplified, leaving a lasting mark on every film she’s been a part of. She will be next seen in the highly anticipated Beetlejuice sequel as Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Winona Ryder's character, 36 years after the original film's release.
Ariana Greenblatt
The ‘Red Hot Magazine’ jokes that “Many actors leave their first Hollywood audition feeling about two feet tall, but Ariana Greenblatt actually was!” Ariana Greenblatt, our final rising star, started acting at just 6 years old. Having starred in 'Avengers: Infinity War' as young Gamora, apocalyptic comedy 'Love and Monsters' and ‘65’ opposite Adam Driver, Greenblatt is a force to be reckoned with. At just 16 years old, her charm, charisma and authentic portrayals of characters make her stand out. You may have spotted her in the blockbuster hit of summer 2023, ‘Barbie’ where she starred alongside Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and other A-list celebrities. In ‘Barbie’, she played Sasha, the confident, sassy, Barbie-hating daughter of America Ferrara. Excitingly, Greenblatt is projected to appear in ‘Wicked’, ‘Borderlands’ and other anticipated films coming soon.
